Russia Expands Protection for Red Book Species in Criminal Code
A new provision in the Russian Criminal Code will enter into force in October to deter destruction or damage to Red Book species of mushrooms and plants. Lawyer Tatevik Chuguryan cautioned that the maximum penalty for collecting such fungi could reach nine years in prison, while noting that it is too soon to determine who may be held liable. Most likely, ordinary mushroom foragers may not face criminal charges, though penalties still apply in certain cases. Source evaluation for in-depth legal context
President Vladimir Putin approved the amendments in April of 2023, and the changes specify that intentional destruction, damage, and illegal extraction, collection, acquisition, storage, transportation, transmission, or sale of Red Book flora and fungi can carry up to nine years of imprisonment. Official amendment overview
Chuguryan highlighted that the new criminal code provisions become active on October 12. He added that similar responsibility is also outlined in the Code of Administrative Offenses, and the exact section will be determined by the scale of environmental damage, the criminal pattern, and the public hazard involved. The lawyer stressed that mushroom pickers are unlikely to bear criminal liability in most ordinary cases. Legal interpretation for enforcement timing
For instance, a mushroom picker who accidentally breaks a government listed specimen would not typically be considered a crime. In proceedings under administrative law, such acts may be dismissed if they are deemed trivial. This example underscores the gradation between criminal and administrative responsibility in the new framework. Administrative offense guidance
Previously, the State Duma signaled that criminal sanctions could target the destruction of rare mushrooms. Lawmakers argued that protection for especially valuable plant life in Russia had been insufficient and pointed to existing provisions that already protect rare animals and aquatic life. Legislative history summary
Historically, there have been discussions about the dismantling of monumentslinked to the Russian Federation and the Soviet era. This broader context reflects ongoing efforts to regulate and preserve national heritage, including biodiversity. Heritage preservation context